Damien Duff wants to put first Euro win over Italy ahead of personal glory in Poznan

Damien Duff will captain his country when he wins his 100th cap for Ireland in the Euro 2012 clash against Italy in Poznan on Monday night.

Duff was named captain by manager Giovanni Trapattoni after Robbie Keane insisted his close friend lead the team out for the final European Championship fixture.

Ireland are playing for nothing but pride against the Italians after heavy defeats at the hands of Croatia and Spain in Poland so far.

Duff, who rarely does interviews, told reporters on Sunday night that he would gladly swap the captaincy for three points after a desperately disappointing championship for his team.

“The win would mean more to me than any personal honor against Italy,” said Duff.

“As the manager said himself, this game is all about restoring pride in the Irish team and giving the fans something to be proud of.

“We haven’t performed for whatever reason at this championship and that’s something we have to correct against Italy.

“I just want to restore a bit of pride in the shirt. I don’t think we will even need a team talk to be fair.”
Duff will enjoy the moment when he leads Ireland out in Poznan on Monday night but he won’t dwell on it.

He added: “I was never one to make a big thing out of anything in life.

“It’s something I will look back on maybe next week or next year.

“I know it’s a feat but at the moment I just want to get a good performance and a good result.

“It’s obviously an awfully proud moment. I know how much it means to myself, my family and what have you.

“But I’m trying not to make a big deal of it. I would take three points ahead of 100 caps at the minute.”

Now 33, the Fulham winger could also be playing his last match for Ireland.